Unusual Quick Flicking

[rallyingmick]

My gf has a 70 L tank, i have noticed that the 2 silver sharks are flicking a bit more than usual.
Short sharp flicks constantly. Now the two of them sit at the bottom at the moment slightly leaning to one side.


I did treat for white spot a while ago probably 2-3 weeks ago so i dont think its an ongoing thing from that.

Levels are all ok.

amonia 0
Nitrite 0
Ph 7.5 (has been all the time)
nitrate 40 (as is water)

water changes 20 % every week.

Rather weird i believe its some sort of parasite/bacterial infection would this be correct if so what you recomend

cheers mike

 

[sylvia]

I would suspect that it is just the ich coming back. Ich has several lfie stages - some of which are not visible. At this time, the parasite can attach to the gills and cause irritation. You should continue treating for ich/velvet.

Also, bala sharks (silver sharks) grow to 14" and need at least a 125 gallon tank (around 500 litres). They are also active schooling fish and can get very stressed if kept in too small a group. Stress brings on disease very quickly. Idealy, these two fish should get rehomed. 70 litres is actualy barely 15 gallons - a small tank by most standards - excrutiatingly small for balas.

 

[WILDER]

When you say a gf do you mean a goldfish.
All should be in the tank is the goldfish, the tank is way overtstocked.
Bala sharks need large tanks of no less than 75 gallons.
Are you sure them stats are right as to me can't see you having an ammonia reading and nitrite reading of 0 with all the fish in there.
Flicking can be a sign of bad water quality.
Laying to one side can be a number of things like bacterial infection.
Do they look bloated in the tummy region, darkened in colour or pale.
I would do a water change for now.

 

[rallyingmick]

My girlfriend (Gf) Sorry!!

they are only tiny at the moment i was waiting for them to grow a bit and put them in the 300l im getting next week, but the catfish i aquired today (in my 160L) will have them, so i knew i would have to bite the bullet and get a new home for them anyhow.

I think 500L is a bit optimistic personally! (just cant really see that im gonna find a 500l home for my 2 baby balas, there bound to be food in a trank that large)

And amonia and nitrtie are def 0.

They dont look bloated coulour looks ok just the flicking /lop sidedness really.

Thanking you

 

[WILDER]

If flicking and laying to one side can be a parasite.
Any small bubbles on the fish as that can be a sign for a parasite break out.